I think if he were to push it he could say that nothing was said about the deposit being non-refundable. That being said , he does know where you live. If nothing else tell him how he screwed up your purchase and it only is fair to give back $150. Or nothing at all, take it or leave it. Good luck

 

People come on my lot all the time and want me to hold a car and give me a deposit I won't take one. I tell them the car is yours and make a verbal agreement as to when and how they are going to pay. I also tell them I am takeing names and numbers of other people just incase it falls through it's a pain to take money then have to give it back. I do make my eBay customers pay a 500.00 dollar non refundable deposit but that's standard practice. You did the right thing just be done with him.

 

Could not agree more. Seems like we are more concerned about avoiding people being uncomfortable than holding anybody to any sort of standard anymore.

 

So what did you end up doing? I have something very similar happen recently, on a sale of a 68 Firebird. The guy came, looked at the car, drove, smile form ear to ear, etc. Gave me a deposit, mentioned he is planning to get the rest of the cash and a ride (he lives 3 hours form me), and get the car. I removed the for sale ads (I had 4 people desperately wanting to look at the car and potentially buy it), and pretty much considered it sold.

One week goes by, no calls, no e-mails, no flowers or bomboms I call and e-mail him repeatedly. No news. We had written a bill of sale and mentioned the deposit as non refundable, etc. I had his contact info, and address. No news. I finally am able to get a hold of him a couple weeks later, he mentions he just lost his job, is going through times and depressed. Would love to buy the car, but it is out of his reality now. He did not call as he was embarrassed and also considered the deposit as a loss. I tell him no problem, stuff happens in life and for him to hang in there. I confirm his address and he is asking why? I say because I want to send you your deposit back. He is very surprised and happy, I send him a check, and for me it is the right thing to do. I contacted the other people interested, and sold the car within a day, actually for more than the previous offer.

In your case, sure, you missed another car, but the right one will come along again. Your buyer’s priority was his mom, and I can sympathize with that, I think buying the car would probably be the last thing on my mind if I had to travel unexpectedly, during Christmas with my mom being sick.

I hope you did the right thing, or the right thing you would like to happen if you were in his shoes. I am a firm believer in CARma, and am sure you will come across another good deal in the future!